International Women’s Day brought together thought leaders at Delhi’s National Women’s Thinkers Conference, where day two at Vigyan Bhawan tackled cinema’s cultural imprint. The ‘Nature and Culture’ theme sparked intense panel talks on media’s double standards in depicting women.
Speakers referenced empowering tales like Dangal against regressive ones in Animal, Kabir Singh, and Mirzapur, where women are props amid overt drug glorification. Kiran Chopra, from journalism circles, observed, ‘OTT and films wield massive influence. Dangal’s wrestler daughter revolutionized parental attitudes. Yet, booze-balancing dance scenes triggered hazardous fads, infiltrating daily life via social platforms.’
She asserted firmly, ‘Objectification in media undermines women, amplifying our emotional vulnerabilities and inhibiting autonomy. Change is overdue—women brim with untapped power waiting to be unleashed.’
Sangeet Natak Akademi chief Sandhya Purecha stressed heritage revival: ‘Our epics venerate women as cosmic force. Rising domestic violence contradicts these sacred views, branded as sin in Puranas. Embracing antiquity offers solutions for today’s crises.’
Emerging from the discussions was a consensus: Indian cinema must pivot towards authentic, strengthening portrayals to truly advance gender equity.